Dispersed
Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
Watkins Glen, NY
Dispersed camping — confirm current rules
This is a dispersed-camping point on public land. Fire restrictions, road conditions, and access change seasonally. Verify with the managing agency before traveling.
Pricing
Check official pricing0.0
0 Reviews
Official sources & verification
Managed by Dispersed/Primitive
Source of truth
- Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
Verify by phone or mail
- Address:Watkins Glen, NY
About
Starting May 17, 2021 the Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area has been re-opened for camping and day use. A self-issued permit must be filled out when you arrive. There is no reservation system, if you arrive and all campsites are full you will have to find another location to camp. The Sugar Hill Recreation Area, located off of Tower Hill Rd, is the largest designated camping area on Sugar Hill State Forest. Available on a first-come first-serve basis, the area is a nine-acre open field for camping, with a limited number of fire rings and picnic tables. Upon arrival, campers must fill out a self-issued camping permit. There is no reservation system, if you arrive and it is full you will have to find another location to camp. Other facilities in the Rec Area include; a picnic area with picnic tables and pavilion, an accessible horse-mounting platform, open horse stalls, during summer months a restroom with potable water are available, and access to the Six Nations Trail System, as well as the Sugar Hill Fire Tower. The gate is opened to vehicle traffic, and the water turned on, from the 3rd Monday in May through the 3rd Monday in October of each year. Individual campsites are located throughout the State Forest. These 19 additional primitive designated camping sites are semi-flat spots, some are graveled parking areas, others are small openings set back in the woods on topsoil, most with no other facilities provided. Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. No trash pickup is provided. These are carry-in, carry-out facilities.
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.
Amenities
Showers
Flush Toilets
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Cell Service
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

Finger Lakes Trail to South Rim Trail
New York
10.7 mi2,149 ftgain
TrailDifficulty: Difficult

Punch Bowl Road
New York
2.0 mi285 ftgain
TrailDifficulty: Easy

Captain Bill Seneca Lake Tour
New York
3.6 mi10 ftgain
TrailDifficulty: Easy

Watkins Glen Indian Trail
New York
1.9 mi387 ftgain
TrailDifficulty: Moderate

Glen Creek Gorge Trail
New York
2.1 mi564 ftgain
TrailDifficulty: Moderate

Gorge Trail and Lovers Lane Loop
New York
0.7 mi243 ftgain
TrailDifficulty: Moderate
Hunt context
Hunting units around this campground
During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the New York hunting page
Nearby Campgrounds

32 Seneca North Campsite
Pricing varies — check with the operator
Campground Dispersed


33 Maple Lane Campsite
Pricing varies — check with the operator
Campground Dispersed

37 Spencer Pond Campsite
Pricing varies — check with the operator
Campground Dispersed

34 Maple Lane Campsite
Pricing varies — check with the operator
Campground Dispersed

36 Sugar Hill Road Campsite
Pricing varies — check with the operator
Campground Dispersed
Spot an error in our data on Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite?